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Thrombocytosis means an elevated number of platelets. Under some circumstances, patients who have significant thrombocytopenia may require platelet transfusions. Having a platelet count that is too low may predispose an individual to bleeding. Also it is a frequent hematologic finding among newborns with Down syndrome without any heart problems in these cases typically the low platelet count usually resolves within few weeks. It can be seen associated with some types of congenital heart defects. This is a common diagnosis made in babies with Down syndrome. Thrombocytopenia means a decreased number of platelets. Macrocytosis shouldn’t cause any adverse medical effect.
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It is important to consider these medical conditions when an individual with Down syndrome is found with macrocytosis but in the great majority of cases an apparent cause won’t be found. Medical conditions that can be associated with macrocytosis include hypothyroidism (insufficient production of thyroid hormone), megaloblastic anemia (decreased number of red cells because of deficiency in vitamin B12 and Folic acid), increased number of reticulocytes (young red blood cells) and some diseases of the liver and the bone marrow (the tissue found in the hollow interior of bones where all the blood cells are made). This hematologic finding persists throughout life in about two-thirds of individuals with Down syndrome. This is a very common finding in newborn babies with Down syndrome. Macrocytosis means enlargement of the red blood cells. Occasionally some individuals may need to be treated if the number of red cells is extremely elevated and the blood gets too thick. In general polycythemia, regardless of the cause, won’t cause significant problems associated to the increased number of red cells. Typically the polycythemia will resolve within the first few months of life especially if it is not associated with an underlying medical condition. In some babies, the elevation in the number of red blood cells can be associated with some types of congenital heart defects but the great majority of babies with Down syndrome who develop polycythemia don’t have an associated heart defect. This is frequently seen in newborn babies with Down syndrome. Polycythemia or erythrocytosis means an elevated number of red blood cells. The most common blood cell abnormalities diagnosed in patients with Down syndrome include: polycythemia (also known as erythrocytosis), macrocytosis, thrombocytopenia, thrombocytosis, leucopenia, leukemoid reactions and transient myeloproliferative disorder. What Are the Most Common Hematologic Abnormalities Identified in Patients With Down Syndrome? Sometimes the abnormalities seen in the blood cells in patients with Down syndrome can lead to serious medical problems evaluation and treatment by a hematologist/oncologist (physician who specializes in disorders of the blood cells and the care of cancer patients) may be necessary. Some patients will have persistent changes in the blood cells throughout their life. In many instances the abnormalities resolve spontaneously after a period of time this is especially common among newborn babies with Down syndrome. Some of the changes found in the blood cells of individuals with Down syndrome can be associated with other medical complications seen among this patient population many times, however, the same blood cell abnormalities are diagnosed without an apparent cause. Individuals with Down syndrome frequently show abnormalities in the blood cells which include the red cells (cells that carry oxygen throughout the body), white cells (infection-fighting cells) and platelets (cells that help to stop bleeding).